The main control problems with solar plants are related to sun tracking and control of the thermal variables. Although control of the sun-tracking mechanisms is typically done in an open-loop mode,
control of the thermal variables is mainly done in closed loop. Solar plants exhibit changing dynamics, nonlinearities, and uncertainties, characteristics that result in detuned performance with classical PID control. Advanced control strategies that can cope with these issues are needed for better performance and for decreasing the cost per kilowatt-hour generated.